Nico Hulkenberg made history by securing his first podium at the 2025 British Grand Prix, ending his streak of most F1 starts without a podium finish at 239 races.
Despite starting his F1 career with high expectations after winning the GP2 title in 2010, Hulkenberg spent years fighting in the midfield before his breakthrough podium moment.
Adrian Sutil currently holds the record for the most F1 starts without a podium, with 128 race starts between 2007-2014, finishing as high as 4th at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix.
Pierluigi Martini, driving for Minardi and other teams between 1984-1995, holds second place with 119 grand prix starts without a top-three finish.
Both Sutil and Martini had respectable F1 careers but never managed to achieve a podium finish despite some close calls, showcasing the competitive nature of the sport.
